Monthly Archives: August 2017

Is this Backpack Too Large?

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What to look for in a Backpack:

  • Wide, padded shoulder straps distribute the weight over a larger area around the shoulders. This avoids that “cutting into the shoulders” feeling.
  • Chest and waist straps also help distribute the load of the pack. Use of a chest strap (and/or waist strap) decreases load that would completely weigh on the shoulders if it were not used.
  • Padded back cushions the load as it rests on the back. Some backpacks feature no padding directly over the spine – This is favorable because it creates a comfortable “cut out” for the spine bones. It decreases load contact directly over the “spinous processes” of the bones.
  • Multiple compartments even out the load and are preferable to one large cavernous compartment.   It makes retrieving items easier as they don’t all fall into one single “pit” of the pack.

Consider the size of the backpack wearer—the overall length of the backpack should not go below the waist of the wearer.   Appropriately sizing the shoulder straps to distribute weight evenly over both shoulders and using the chest or waist strap can help the pack sit at the waist of the wearer.

Wear the pack with both shoulder straps not just one strap over one shoulder—Really! Wearing the pack on one side contributes to neck, shoulder and hip strain in addition to back pain.

Avoid filling the pack too full. It is too full if the wearer has to lean forward to bear the weight. This can contribute to bad posture and back pain. Full packs can cause havoc when the wearer turns and unknowingly knocks into people or priceless artwork.

Rolling packs have their advantages and disadvantages as well:

  • Some school lockers aren’t big enough to accommodate the rolling packs.
  • Need to be carried over stairs or rough terrain.
  • May be a trip hazard.

When using a rolling pack remember to switch arms frequently and to engage core/abdominal muscles to balance the strain on the body.

Written by: Miriam Graham, PT

MAPP: Multi-Disciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain

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Malassezia spp. Skin Microbiome.  https://skinmicrobiome.wordpress.com/tag/malassezia/

MAPP (Multi-Disciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain) Finds That Fungus In Urine Might Be Linked to Urgency and Pain.

One of the most promising lines of research in urology today is the study of the biome, the diverse population of bacteria and fungi that live harmoniously in the human body. In previous MAPP Research Network studies, IC patients were found to have high levels of candida/fungi in their urine during flares (1). Another found that IC patients are deficient in some important bacteria in our bowel while having higher levels of other harmful bacteria (2). This latest MAPP Research Network study now links changes in fungal communities with the symptoms of urinary urgency and pain (3).

Researchers obtained urine specimens from 12 IC patients, 17 Over Active Bladder (OAB) patients and 14 patients without urinary symptoms. DNA was extracted, deep sequenced and compared to multiple fungal sequence databases. They found that patients with more severe symptoms, regardless of the symptom type, had decreased fungal diversity. Individual symptoms were associated with distinctive species of fungi. Patients with severe bladder pain had altered levels of Malassezia spp. composition while patients struggling with incontinence were inversely correlated with Wickerhamomyces spp.

The researchers concluded that the urinary microbiome is altered inpatients struggling with lower urinary tract symptoms, and that the loss of diversity in the microbiome correlated with worsening symptoms. Specific fungal patterns were found in patients with the symptoms of bladder pain and urinary urgency but interestingly this did not correlate with a diagnosis or medical condition. The researchers concluded, “These results suggest the intriguing possibility that particular microbial patterns maybe associated with specific symptoms, not necessarily diagnoses. This could lead to new diagnostic and treatment algorithms for patients struggling with lower urinary tract symptoms.” Clearly, there is a need for greater testing for fungi in urine screening.   Bacteria may not be the root problem in some patients. It is time to consider the roll of fungus in bladder dysfunction.

Adapted from Jill Osborne 8/10/17 Interstitial Cystitis Network Blog, Research https://www.ic-network.com/mapp-research-network-study-finds-fungus-urine-might-linked-urinary-urgency-pain/

 

References:

  1.  Osborne J. Could IC Flares Be Caused By Candida – New research study finds higher rates of candida rather than bacteria during IC flares. IC Optimist Winter 2016.
    https://www.ic-network.com/could-flares-be-caused-by-candida/
  2. Osborne J. The DIPP Mystery – Why are IC patients deficient in some good bacteria. IC Optimist Summer 2016.
    https://www.ic-network.com/dipp-mystery-ic-patients-deficient-bacteria-gut/
  3. Journal of Urology, April 2017 Abstract MP29-10 Alterations in the Urinary Fungal Mycobiome in Patients with Bladder Pain and Urinary Urgency
    https://www.ic-network.com/mapp-research-network-study-finds-fungus-urine-might-linked-urinary-urgency-pain/

Ursula Sukinik, Doula and Entrepreneur of Birth You Desire

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Ursula is not only a certified childbirth educator, but is also a birth doula, a birth assistant, a doula trainer, and a mother of two teenage boys. Known for her easy laughter, radiant energy and knowledge of the birthing woman; to say that she is an inspiration is an understatement.

She is a true believer in honoring women’s bodies and the natural process, Ursula not only inspires her students to better understand how choices affect well-being, but she takes the mind-body connection to a whole new level with her practice as a birth worker. Ursula has personally worked with thousands of women during the birthing process.  

With this passion, she owns and runs Birth You Desire where you can find a list of doula training, childbirth classes, TENS rentals, workshops and speaking engagements in the DC Metro area as well as choose a doula to support you at your birth.

Ursula’s sons are going to college this fall University of Pittsburg & St Mary’s College of MD. She loves German Shepard dogs and her current dog’s name is Ohana Koa (called Koa, ko-ko, or when bad… Ko-ko loco). She is an avid gardener & hiker in her spare time. 

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Our Restore Motion Friend, Ursula Sukinik, doula and entrepreneur of Birth You Desire,  suggests how to stack the deck for an uneventful vaginal delivery.  Adapted from her BYD blog below, are 10 easy ways to avoid and reduce your cesarean risk.  

  • Prepare yourself.  Take a comprehensive childbirth class, learn your choices. 
  • Practice good body mechanics through out your pregnancy. 
  • Have a supportive and educated labor partner.  Your partner is your anchor. No matter how wonderful your birth team is they cannot replace the love and security you have from your partner.
  • Let baby come when they are ready, avoid unnecessary inductions and subsequent interventions.
  • Build a tool kit of coping methods and practice them.  Relaxation is the cornerstone to spontaneous birth.
  • Labor at home as long as possible with provider permission when applicable.
  • Avoid continuous monitoring when at your birth place if possible.  If continuous monitoring is necessary ask for a wireless monitoring to facilitate coping skills.
  • Use medications and interventions wisely. There are many tools for labor and they all have their place. 
  • Labor upright and change positions frequently whenever possible.  An active mother is an active baby.
  • Consider hiring a professional Doula to assist you in your birth.

Adapted from intellectual property of Ursula Sabia Sukinik/Birth You Desire. Used with permission. Do not reproduce or distribute without written permission from owner. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.